Rugby: Trevor Woodman returns to Gloucester

GLOUCESTER have confirmed that Trevor Woodman has taken over the role of scrum coach from Tony Windo.

Woodman played for Gloucester between 1995 and 2004 at the start of a playing career which saw him go on to win 22 England caps and a World Cup winner's medal in 2003.

He moved to Sale Sharks ahead of the 2004-5 season, but suffered a back injury in training that resulted in his career being brought to a premature end in 2005.

He then moved to Australia where he embarked upon an impressive coaching career, initially working with Sydney University before taking on the role of national scrum coach with the Australian Rugby Union.

Woodman's next career move saw him return to England when he undertook the role of forwards coach at London Wasps, a position he held for four years.

He has spent the past six months working alongside other former Gloucester stars Olly Morgan and Nick Runciman at Cheltenham College, but will now bring his considerable expertise back to Gloucester.

Director of rugby Nigel Davies said: "Firstly, I'd like to thank Tony Windo. Tony has worked incredibly hard for us over the past two seasons, combining his time working on our scrum with his role at Bromsgrove School.

"However, it's become increasingly apparent that we needed someone who could commit more time to the role with us. With his teaching position in mind, Tony isn't able to do so and we completely respect and understand that.

"But we are extremely pleased to be able to bring in someone of Trevor Woodman's calibre. He played the game at the very highest level and then translated that skill set into a very successful coaching career.

"He's worked at international level with Australia and also at club level for several seasons with London Wasps. His input is going to be invaluable going forward.”